Insider Report 3/4/2021

     Due to a drop in COVID-19 infection numbers, and a rise in vaccination numbers, now is a great time to send in passport applications.  Want to learn more about the passport process? Here’s everything you need to know!

When to apply or renew my passport

     If you’re planning on any international travel in 2021, now is a great time to get started.  Currently, the processing time for routine passport service is 10-12 weeks.  For expedited service, travelers can pay an additional $60 to receive their passport in 4-6 weeks.  The U.S. Department of State recommends travelers use the U.S. Postal service for renewal applications for safe and contact less service.

     It is also important to note that the U.S. postal service is experiencing an unprecedented volume of mail which causes delays in the passport office receiving applications.  If you are needing to expedite your request, it is recommended that you use USPS’ Priority Express.

     In-person appointments are also extremely limited, and priority is given to those needing their passports for life-or-death emergencies, so whether you apply by mail or in person, it is important to apply early. 

What you need 

If you are needing to obtain your first U.S. passport in person, you will need to the following:

• Completed form DS-11

• Evidence of U.S. citizenship (must be an original or certified, physical copy)

• Photocopy of U.S. citizenship evidence

• Present ID (driver’s license, government employee ID, Trusted Traveler ID, etc)

• Photocopy of present ID

• One current photograph, meeting all photo requirements

• Application fee

If you are applying for a renewal or for a name change on your passport by mail, you will need the following:
 

• Completed form DS-82

• Most recent passport

• Certified copy of legal name change document(s) (if applicable)

• One current photograph, meeting all photo requirements

• Application fee

How much it will cost

     For normal processing of a passport book, the fee is $110.  For a passport card (which is only valid for domestic travel, sea border crossing and land border crossing from U.S. into Canada) the fee is $30.  For both, the processing fee is $140 and an additional $60 fee would be applied for expedited processing.
 

If you need assistance in obtaining your first U.S. passport, or obtaining a renewal, call and speak to one of our experts at National Travel today!